Holidays

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS HOLIDAYS HCCI and Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy Give Gifts to Hundreds of Children in Parnership with Walmart

On Wednesday, December 9th, hundreds of children and adults descended on Jackie Robinson Park to attend “Toytopia: HCCI’s 5th Annual Toy Giveaway!” and the park’s “23rd Annual Lights of Hope Treelighting Ceremony”. In observance of COVID-19 precautions, the festivities were held outdoors, no one sat on Santa’s knee -- instead, children met a walking waving Santa, quickly selected their toys and left enjoying their new gifts. Once again, community unity made this annual event a huge success!

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) co-presented its Toytopia! with the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy (JRPC), as part of the 23nd Annual Lights

Photos by Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor

of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Walmart supported HCCI, with a generous donation of more than $3000 in gifts!

“This is an especially difficult year for us all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO of HCCI. “So, it was more important than ever, that we take a moment to spread holiday cheer within our community. We are extremely grateful for our continued partnerships with Walmart and the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, which HCCI founded more than two decades ago, that made today a possibility.”

“For 23 consecutive years, we have partnered with HCCI to spark lights of hope in Harlem,” said Sonya Simmons, Chairperson of the JRPC. “And in the midst of the pandemic, we were even more committed to continue this tradition. Plus, seeing all of the joyful children was truly wonderful!”

Santa Claus was graciously played by the Simmons’ husband Tobius Simmons. HCCI’s volunteer/Community Liaison Carolyn Paul enlisted neighborhood supporters including: Super Foodtown, Starbucks (145th St.), Duncan Donuts (145th St./ Edgecombe Ave.), Duncan Pharmacy, TJ Abrial Systems/Wholesale Dollar Suppliers and Beauty Merchandise), A & J Grocery Store, Taste of Seafood, Fine Fare (145th St), 99-cent Store, Neighborhood Dollar Store and a group of dedicated volunteers who braved the cold to make Harlem’s children smile.

Celebrating 34 years of service, HCCI is an interfaith consortium of congregations committed to the comprehensive redevelopment of the Harlem community. Since 1986, HCCI has been committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem by providing economic development opportunities and empowerment of Harlem residents to rebuild their community. To learn more about HCCI programs please visit www.hcci.org.

Photos by Seitu Oronde

Bronx Leaders Feeding the Community During the Pandemic

On December 9th , 1309 Washington Ave, they The team said, “Feeding day, to bring healthy food to ning out for some of us, ant time to bring joy. We Princess Lani- provided healthy food to the community during this the community.” individuals are struggling all need to stick together in ta Jones District the community, They dis- pandemic times is import- They continued, Its im- to put food on the table, and these trying day. Blessings Leader 79th Assembly and tributed healthy food such ant as our Elderly, Family portant to make sure that this time is the most import- to all, Happy Holiday.” Ahmadou Diallo Com- as apples, potatoes, celery, and Friends are struggling our community is taking munity Leader brought cabbage, onion, cream, trying to feed their love care of during these hardholiday joy to the Bronx milk, all kind of different ones. So we decided to ship. Individuals lost their Community. In front of bread, etc. come out, on this snowy job, unemployment is run-